NUCLEAR FUSION RESEARCH AND THE JET PROJECT

Abstract

JET is a large tokamak with dimensions (minor radii 1.25 x 2.1 m D-shaped, major radius 2.96 m) within a factor 2 or 3 of those expected in a future reactor. On completion JET will have a greater performance capability than any other tokamak in the world. The basic aim of the JET project is to obtain and study a plasma in conditions and with dimensions approaching those needed in a fusion reactor. The fulfillment of this aim will require the study of plasma - wall interactions, and of methods of heating and controlling the plasma. Experimental results on existing experimental fusion devices continue to indicate that, by exploiting the full performance capability of JET, plasma conditions approaching those of thermonuclear ignition could be reactor operation.